OKLAHOMA –
In this week’s Therapy Thursday, Kaydee Norton with Sunbeam Family Services is discussing the importance of prioritizing mental health for new moms.
Norton said there is a direct correlation between a mom’s well-being and her newborn baby’s development.
“Baby’s first three months of life is the most important,” says Norton. “When we really support and surround, not only the mom, but the parents … it’s going to help boost and set the trajectory of how this family is going to blossom.”
Norton says as well as p postpartum depression, new moms can also experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMADS). She also said PMADS can affect fathers.
“One in five moms can experience PMADS, and one in 10 dads can also experience,” she says.
PMADS symptoms could include anxiety, OCD and in extreme cases, psychosis, according to Norton. She said anyone who experiences these symptoms should talk to their doctor.
Norton said it’s important to discuss postpartum depression and PMADS because anyone could potentially experience it.
“You might notice your partner or yourself experience this ‘baby blues’ during those first two weeks postpartum, where you have those really extreme feelings,” says. “That is totally a normal experience, that doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent.”
Norton says when these ‘blues’ last longer than a few weeks, it is important to make sure you have a support system.
To learn more about Sunbeam Family Services, click here.